Methyl Bromide
Definition - What does Methyl Bromide mean?
Methyl bromide, also known as bromomethane, is an odorless, colorless and nonflammable gas, which is produced biologically as well as industrially. It is manufactured for industrial and agricultural uses by reacting hydrogen bromide with methanol.
It was once used as a pesticide in vineyards, but because of its ozone-depleting properties, it was phased out of many countries in the early 2000s.
WineFrog explains Methyl Bromide
Bromomethane is mainly used as a nemacidal and insecticidal fumigant for agricultural produce and soil. It can also be used as a solvent to extract plant oils.
It is highly toxic and studies have shown that humans can have severe short-term lung injury if it is inhaled. Long-term exposure can lead to neurological effects in both humans and animals.
The natural production of bromomethane happens in the ocean. Marine organisms can produce around 56,000 tons yearly. It is also produced in small amounts by plants of the Brassicaceae family.
